Government Working with Recreational Fishers to Improve Communication

AUSTRALIA - The Australian Government is working with recreational fishers to improve lines of communication and present opportunities for involvement in the policy making process, starting with the development of a recreational fishing survey.

A workshop held by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) was the first step in designing a national survey of recreational fishers to be conducted every five years.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck, said it is important recreational fishers have an opportunity to put forward their views.

“The aim of the survey is to provide data on the social and economic impact of recreational fishing and obtain catch data to help assess fish stock levels,” Senator Colbeck said.

“We are committed to delivering on our election commitments to the recreational fishing sector including reinvigorating lines of communication with government and establishing a National Recreational Fishing Council.”

“We also allocated A$1 million in the budget to help recreational and commercial peak fishing organisations provide sustainable national leadership on fisheries issues.”

“We said before the election that we would develop a more competitive and sustainable fishing sector—and we’re delivering on that promise.”

Senator Colbeck said recreational fishing has a special place in the way of life for many Australians and is important in our local communities, particularly in regional areas.

“Rec fishing is a key contributor to tourism and employment in many communities. Millions of Australian’s are involved in rec fishing and it contributes significantly to our economy each year,” he said.

“We have some of the best managed fisheries in the world—and our recreational fishers are a key cog in keeping our fisheries world-class and sustainable,” he said.

The survey will be conducted by ABARES, which has a track record of producing excellent independent social and economic research and analysis for the fisheries sector.